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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Czwarta Niedziela Adwentu i Boże Narodzenie / Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas

TODAY’S MASS INTENTION (10:00 am Mass) is for Michael Ardelli offered by Shirley Ardelli & family
TODAY’S MASS INTENTION (4:00 pm Mass): NO MASS

Eucharistic Minister for today: Sophie O’Toole
Ushers for collection today: Toni LaRusic, Tony Melski

 

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NASTĘPNY TYDZIEŃ / THE WEEK AHEAD

WEEKDAY MASSES:

Sunday, December 24, 10:00pm: Pasterka / Shepherd's Mass
Lectors: Krista Ann Starzomski, Andrzej Cebula
Eucharistic Minister: Marilyn Gillis
Ushers: Bernie LaRusic, Tony Gniewek
Greeters: Marjorie Ardelli, Vicky Aucoin, Carolyn Kiley
Offertory: Tony Melski, Anthony Melski

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

Tuesday, December 26, 10:00am: Feast of St. Stephen. The Mass intention will be for Fred & Nora Baker offered by Jean Annette White
Lectors: Robert Lewandowski
Eucharistic Minister:
Ushers:
Greeters:

Wednesday, December 27, 6:30pm The Mass intention will be for Stanislaw Mazun and family offered by Janina Mazun. Mass followed by the traditional blessing of wine and “poczestunek”
Thursday, December 28, 6:30pm The Mass intention will be for all the Souls in purgatory offered by Jean Annette White
Friday, December 29, 6:30pm The Mass intention will be for Casimir & Helen Jezeski offered by Father Rich

Sunday, December 31, 10:00am: Feast of the Holy Family. The Mass intention will be for Peter Stephenson offered by Agnes Stephenson
Lectors: Tanya Chislett, Noah Starzomski-Wilson
Eucharistic Minister: Janet Hawthorne
Ushers: Robert Melski Sr., Joe Gillis
Greeters: Vicky Aucoin, Stephanie Black

Sunday, December 31, 4:00 pm: The Mass intention will be for all parishioners

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 17: $2015.40 (broken down as follows: $890.00 general collection, $105.00 monthly, $5.00 initial offering, $votive candles, $ loose, $1015.40 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, Former Parishioners & Friends of Saint Mary’s Polish Church,

We have come to the end of a very short Advent Season this Sunday. Ready or not, once again Christmas is upon us! Already late this afternoon it will be the Vigil of the Christmas and the first Masses of the Nativity of Our Lord will be celebrated.
We all have much to be grateful to God for as we reflect upon the individual and collective blessings we have received through the years! Above all, however, we need to be so thankful to our loving Father and Creator, who out of His love sent His Son into this world for us. He offers all peoples of all times the opportunity to inherit eternal life and happiness through the redemption and salvation that the Lord Jesus, the Messiah, brings to all humanity.
I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to all of you that have made the miracle come alive of having Christmas celebrated for the second year in our newly rebuilt, beautiful church. Finally, we see the end of our rebuilding efforts come to fruit. With the recent grant money together with other generous donors and the income from many fundraising projects, we will soon have the kitchen, the library and play area of Sala 1050 completed.
As we hopefully continue the tradition of our ancestors in sharing the “Oplatek” wafer at our Christmas Eve “Wigilia” Supper and express to one another our love, affection, appreciation and also wish one another health and happiness, I want to wish to all of you a most Blessed Christmas with your family, relatives and friends.
I want to take this opportunity to thank all who in any way give of themselves in service of the parish family here at Saint Mary’s Polish Church. To all present and past members of the Parish Rada, Finance Committee, other committees, Organist, St. Cecelia Choir, Lector-Readers, Altar Servers, Ushers, Greeters, Hospitality Volunteers, Events and Fund-Raising Volunteers, Church and Event Decorators, Extra Ordinary Eucharistic Ministers, Members of the Care Group, Catechist Teachers, Money Counters, and each and every member of our parish community…
WESOŁYCH ŚWIĄT BOŻEGO NARODZENIA !  HAVE A HAPPY, HEALTHY AND HOLY NEW YEAR 2018     

-  Father Rich

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IN MEMORY OF (IMO) CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE REBUILDING FUND:
IMO deceased members of the Ryba family from Shauna & Shari McKay
Other donors: John Morykot, Anne Marie & Jimmie Campbell, Tom Urbaniak & Alison Etter
Other donations: Quilt raffle (Patsy Kiley), Opłatki & cards, proceeds from the teapot auction ($653.00)

2018 ENVELOPES: 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 with any member of the Finance Committee. Many thanks for your support!

SAINT STEPHEN, DEACON & FIRST MARTYR: Tuesday, December 26th. The day after Christmas is also a holy-day in Poland -- the “Drugie Swieto” (Second Holy-day). We commemorate the feast day of the first Christian martyr Saint Stephen. At Holy Mass, we will again sing our beloved Kolędy and Carols.

FEAST OF SAINT JOHN, THE APOSTLE & EVANGELIST: Wednesday, December 27th. At the end of Mass will be the Polish tradition of blessing altar wine, which will be offered after Mass in Sala 1050.

NEW YEAR'S DAY: This is the Feast of Mary Mother God and a holy day of obligation. We pray especially for peace in the world on this day. We will have Masses at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

TRADITIONAL ANNUAL BLESSING OF HOMES: The traditional "Kolęda" pastoral visit with the blessing of home or residences, and families or individuals, will begin New Year's Day and continue through January and even if necessary to the Candlemas Feast (February 2nd). There will be a sign-up book at the back of the church for those who wish to have a visit. You may indicate the best day(s) of the week or time of day you prefer. Father Rich will confirm the exact time and date with you.

COMMUNITY KITCHEN DISCUSSIONS: After the first of the Pier Community Development Walks on Oct. 26, when everyone was gathered for lunch and discussion in our church, our parish was approached by former members of Trinity United Church in the Pier who had been volunteering to operate a once-a-week Loaves and Fishes satellite community hot meal in the Pier. Unfortunately, Trinity Church closed and the service was lost, even though there was a need and demand. They wondered if our church’s Sala 1050 (which is accessible to persons with disabilities) could be used as the site for a weekly community meal once our kitchen is finished. We’ve since had two meetings with former Trinity reps and a meeting with MLA Derek Mombourquette. A draft plan is taking shape, which would involve an inter-faith core group and volunteers from the broader community as well as local hospitality education programs, but with our church as the location. We want to take the outline to a community focus group in January for discussion. If you would like to be part of that focus group or if you have any questions, please contact Tom Urbaniak (902-563-1226; tom_urbaniak@cbu.ca).

KITCHEN FUNDING & FUND-RAISING: This past week, Wayne Weatherbee gave a cheque for $5,000 to go toward kitchen construction or future community service activities related to the kitchen. Wayne has been advising us through the rebuilding, and we are very grateful to him! Also, a friendly reminder of the Dec. 31 donor deadline for the Donor Wall.

HOMEMADE QUILT: Donated by Patsy Kiley as a fundraiser for the parish. Draw after the 10:00am Mass today. Tickets are $2 each or three for $5.

SYLWESTRA / NEW YEAR'S EVE: at the Polish Village Hall. 9:00pm to 1:00am. $15 per person. DJ. Robin Krszwda. To reserve tickets, please call Nicole at 371-5088 or purchase tickets at Ursula’s Hair Design. See you there! Hosted by the St. Michael’s Polish Benefit Society. Proceeds to maintain the Polish Village Hall as an important hub serving our community!

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 will remain here.

PARISH OPŁATEK POTLUCK: (Our community “Wigilia”) Please mark on your calendars Sunday, January 14, at 2:00 pm at the Polish Village Hall. No charge. Please bring a dish if you can as well as an item for Loaves and Fishes. Everyone is welcome.

NEXT POLSKI PIĄTEK: (Polish Friday) A fun after-work party with food and refreshments will be on Friday, February 2. We’ll demonstrate Polish traditions related to Candlemas Day.

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       Also, please consider sponsoring ($100) a permanently painted peacock feather in the hall in memory of a loved one. Please speak with any member of the Society.

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: Archanioł Boży (Archangel of God)                  
Psalm: Forever I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord.
Offertory: Hejnał wszyscy zaśpiewajmy (Let Us All Sing)
Communion: Bądźże pozdrowiona (Humbly We Adore Thee)
Post-Communion: Jezu miłości Twej (Here in this Sacrament)
Recessional: Oto Pan Bóg przyjdzie (Thus the Lord Will Come)

TODAY’S HYMNS: 4:00 pm Mass (See Pages in St. Joseph Sunday Missal) NO MASS TODAY
Entrance:
Recessional:

TODAY’S HYMNS: 10:00 pm Mass of the Shepherds (Pasterka):
Prelude: Kolędy: Starting at 9:30 pm, the choir will sing the following carols:
Przylecieli aniołkowie (Friends the Angels)
Przystąpmy do szopy (Let us Head for the Stable)
Cieszmy się (Let Us Be Glad)
W żłobie leży (He Lies in a Manger)
Dzisiaj chór Aniołów (Today, a Choir of Angels)
Pan Z Nieba (The Lord from Heaven)
Bracie patrzcie jeno (Brothers, Look)
Niepojęte dary (Incredible Gifts)
Pójdźmy wszyscy do stajenki (Let us all go to the stable)
Entrance: Cicha Noc (Silent Night)                  
For the Gloria: Gdy się Chrystus rodzi (As Christ is Born)
Offertory: Jezusa Narodzonego (Of Jesus Who is Born)
Communion:Dlaczego dzisiaj? (Why Today?)
Post-Communion: Lulajże Jezuniu (Lullaby to the Little Jesus)
Recessional: Dzisiaj w Betlejem (Today in Bethlehem)

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A BRIEF LOOK AT SOME POLISH CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS: 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:  The Christmas wafer is exchanged at meals as we wish everyone many blessings. At the time of writing, there was still Opłatek available at the back table in the church. Before the meal, it is often laid on a plate of straw, symbolizing the manger. In common with all Polish parishes, we also have a Community Opłatek meal (this year on January 14, 2018 at 2:00pm)
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 EMPTY PLATE: (extra setting) It is the custom to set an extra plate at the table to symbolize our openness to Christ and our willingness to help anyone in need. Because Polish history has been marked by a lot of migration and separation of families, it also honors those living and deceased who cannot be with us. 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).
ŚWIĘTY MIKOŁAI: St. Nicholas visits our church on the Sunday closest to his feast day (December 6th) in his traditional Bishop's attire and brings presents for the children.
BLESSING OF CHALK: Feast of the the Epiphany, including pastoral home visits and the inscription of K+M+B above a door to symbolize our willigness to follow Jesus through the year.

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POLISH POP-UP TUTORIAL:
Pan Jezus (pan YEH-zoos) - Jesus
Szopka (SHOP-ka) - Nativity scene
Sianko (SHAN-ko) - hay
Żłóbek (JWOO-bek) - manger
Pasterze (pas-TEH-jeh) - Shepherds
Zwierzęta (zvee-eh-JEN-ta) - animal
Anioły (an-YO-wih) - angel
Betlejem (bet-LEH-yem) - Bethlehem
Gwiazda (gvee-AZ-da) - star
Opłatek (o-PWA-tek) - The traditional Polish Christmas wafer that we break and exchange at meals.
Wigilia (vee-GEE-lya) - Christmas Eve
Kolacja wigilijna (ko-LATS-ya vee-gee-LEE-na) - Christmas Eve supper - It has twelve meatless courses.
Pusty talerz (POOS-tih TAL-ej) - We set an empty plate to welcome Christ by welcoming anyone in need.
Kolędowanie (ko-len-do-VAN-yej) - carolling
Pokój na ziemi (PO-kooy na JE-mee) - Peace on earth