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!
St. Mary’s Polish Church is a heritage landmark designated by the Province of Nova Scotia
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 is currently in residence (seasonal) as pastor. Contact info: rphiliposki@aol.com 702-881-3674 (cell)
-During Father Rich’s extended times outside the region, Father Evo DiPierro will serve as Administrator: dipierro@dal.ca

MSZY/MASSES: PLEASE NOTE: Public health continues to strongly recommend wearing masks in congregate settings

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 / Fourth Sunday of Advent

CZYTANIA / READINGS:
Pierwsze czytanie / First Reading: Iz 7,10-14
Psalm: 24
Drugie czytanie / Second Reading: Rz/Rom. 1,1-7
Ewangelia / Gospel: Mt 1,18-24
RESPONSORIAL PSALM: Przybądź, o Panie, Tyś jest Królem chwały / Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory

MASS INTENTION FOR TODAY: For the soul of Mary Pierrynowski offered by Marjorie Ardelli

UPCOMING MASSES:
MASS INTENTION FOR MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 6:30pm (followed by Novena to Saint Monica): For the soul of Rudy Pierrynowski offered by Maureen MacDonald
MASS INTENTION FOR WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 6:30pm (followed by Novena to Our Lady of Częstochowa): For the soul of Kay Grace offered by Joe & Marilyn Gillis
MASS INTENTION FOR THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 6:30am: Special "Roraty" Mass – Morning (see Fr. Rich’s article later in the bulletin): For all parishioners. Following at 7:10am Mini breakfast for all participants
MASS INTENTION FOR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 6:30pm: For the souls of Stanley & Stella Paruch offered by daughter Patricia
MASS INTENTION FOR SATURDAY DECEMBER 24 Wigilia – Vigil Eve of Christmas 9:30pm Polish "Kolędy" Carols, 10:00pm PASTERKA Christmas Eve Shepherds’ Mass (Celebrant's intentions)
MASS INTENTION FOR SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 9:30am Nativity of the Lord Boze Narodzenia -Christmas Day: For the souls of Dawn Marie & Michael Ardelli offered by Shirley & Family

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OGŁOSZENIA / ANNOUNCEMENTS

PRAYERS and heartfelt expressions of friendship are extended to Steve Melnick, who is receiving palliative care at this time.

PLEASE keep Vicky Aucoin in your prayers as she recovers from eye surgery. The surgery on Wednesday went well.

SINCERE THANKS for the excellent turnout at our parish’s taping of Mass for Shut-Ins. It went well and was beautiful and spiritual. Thanks to all.

NOTE: Pasterka Shepherds’ Mass on Wigila Christmas Eve will start at 10:00pm with Polish kolędy (carols) a half hour earlier at 9:30pm. There will also be Christmas Day Mass at 9:30am.

CHRISTMAS DECORATING OF OUR CHURCH: Thanks to anyone who can stay for a short time after Mass. We will meet in front of the altar to take care of remaining tasks. Due to this afternoon’s choir concert at St. Theresa’s with our parish’s participation, there was a head start on decorating (some of the larger pieces). Thanks to Tony, Kevin, and Larry Gniewek for coming Wednesday afternoon to do some heavy lifting and to fellow parishioners who stayed after Wednesday Mass.

OPŁATEK AND POLISH CHRISTMAS CARDS are still available (table at the back of the church). On the same table will also be Polish soup mixes for Christmas. Free-will offering for the above items with proceeds to St. Michael’s Polish Benefit Society for the Polish Village Revitalization project, which is currently underway. Many thanks.

NEW YEAR’S EVE TICKETS are available after Masss (from Bernie LaRusic or Tom Urbaniak) or by calling Nicole at 371-5088 or Bernie at 561-6500. $15. 9:00pm to 1:00am on New Year’s Eve. Light meal included. DJ. Robin Krszwda.This event is always well received.

CONCERT: Our choir will be performing at the St. Theresa’s Christmas Concert today Sunday, December 18, from 2:30pm to 4:00pm. Everyone is welcome!

HAND-MADE DISH CLOTHS – FUNDRAISER FOR UKRAINIAN HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE: at the back of the church. These beautiful unique dishcloths have been handmade by Dee-Dee (Yurczyszyn) Jackson and her sister Brenda Yurczyszyn and were donated to us (via Marjorie Ardelli) for the Ukrainian humanitarian fund. Available small size 2 for $5, large size $3 each.

VEHICLE PLATES: Cape Breton Polonia and Nova Scotia Polonia front vehicle plates are still available at the back of the church. $25.00 each

FOOD CUPBOARD: Please consider bringing a non-perishable food or personal care item (e.g. shampoo, soap, toilet paper) to church when you come to Mass. These items will help stock our food cupboard outside the Polish Village Hall. There is a significant need in our community. Thank you for any help.

OUR POLISH-THEMED RADIO SEGMENTS: The Coast Radio 89.7 (weekdays at 3:50pm and 7:50pm or any time at coastalradio.ca). This coming week's topic will be Polish Wigilia Christmas Eve traditions. Thank you very much to Robert Schella for lending his voice to this segment. This segment is dedicated to the St. Barra’s Community for their extremely generous support of our parish’s fundraising efforts for Ukrainian humanitarian assistance.
We’re always looking for sponsors and volunteers. It’s $100 for a whole week. Sponsors are recognized on air – and any dedications, too (eg. if you’re sponsoring as a memorial or as a birthday or anniversary gift). The Coast is generously redirecting the sponsorships back to the St. Michael’s Polish Benefit Society (which produces the segments), which has been a big help to the Society. If you think you might like to sponsor a week, please e-mail tom_urbaniak@cbu.ca or call 563-1226. Many thanks!

PUBLIC HEALTH PROTOCOLS – MASKS ARE STILL STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. Thanks for all your kindness, patience, and co-operation through the pandemic.

COLLECTION FOR DECEMBER 11: $849.35. Many thanks, everyone, for your kindness and generosity!

THANKS VERY KINDLY FOR YOUR DONATIONS TO OUR PARISH : We are truly grateful for everyone’s generosity through the pandemic. If you are attending Mass, you will find a collection basket near the entrance and exit (since we are not passing around the basket due to the public health restrictions). Also, please free to use the mail: St. Mary’s Polish Parish, 21 Wesley St., Sydney, NS, B1N 2M5. Donations can also be made securely on-line at Canada Helps (which will email you an instant tax receipt):   https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/st-marys-polish-parish/. (link to this site is provided on our parish website homepage). Thanks for your support!

UPDATE ON THE CHRISTIAN SERVICE AND OUTREACH BUDGET LINE: There was $7,500 remaining in this budget line for this year. As has been previously reported to the parish, this budget line comes from part of the return on investment on the parish endowment (the principal is protected). The Rada received reports from projects and organizations that the parish had assisted recently to help meet basic needs in our community – including food for youth and families in collaboration with Whitney Pier Youth Club, wound care and nursing care for people in homeless and very marginalized situations (community street nurse program – Ally Centre), support for Howard House to provide basic hygiene kits, basic furnishings, bus tickets and other much-needed support; support for the start-up of the Father Greg MacLeod House (our parish is one of the founding donors). After considering the reports and discussion, the Rada decided to allocate additional support as follows: $1,500 to Whitney Pier Youth Club (food support and equipment); $1,500 to Father Greg MacLeod to help get residents through the winter without rent increases; and $1,500 to Howard House for basic supplies. That leaves $3,000 remaining in this budget line for this year, which will be deferred to next year, as our draw on the returns on investments on the endowment may be smaller next year due to this being a weaker year for investments.

FATHER RICH’S COLUMN: Niech bedzie pochwalony Jezus Chrystsus! Praise Be Jesus Christ! I arrived in Sydney one day late with adventures as usual! As always I thank Father Evo for his coverage of Masses and administrative duties. I am also grateful to Stephanie Black for watching over the glebe and preparing it for my return. Special thanks "Bog zaplac" to all parishioners and friends who came to St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church for the taping of the Mass for the Epiphany that will be on CTV at 11:30am on January 8th. Special thanks to our St. Cecilia Choir, lectors and readers and altar server. We have come to the last Sunday of Advent, Unfortunately, much of the spiritual preparation that should take place gets lost in all the rushing and busy-ness of the season which has become so commercialized. There is still one more week left. I hope that all should have taken advantage of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession). There will be opportunities this week. Confession times: Monday, Wednesday and Friday at from 5:45pm to 6:25pm, Thursday at 6:00am. While in Chicago for two days on my way back, I was amazed at the revival of the custom of Roraty Advent Masses. At the parish where my classmate is pastor Divine Mercy Church (the largest Polish parish in the Chicago area) I concelebrated two Roraty Masses at 6:00am on a weekday morning. There were around 250 people in attendace including 14 altar servers! All three of our Society of Christ Chicago parishes have daily weekday Roraty Masses and I know many Polish parishes in Canada do as well although it may be only once or twice a week and sometimes in the evening. I will celebrate a Roraty Mass this coming Thursday at 6:30am. A Roraty Mass is an Advent Votive Mass in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Gloria is sung and there is a procession with lighted candles of the faithful at the beginning. After Mass we will have a mini breakfast with perhaps Tim Horton Coffee and some donuts or pastry. Our "PASTERKA" Christmas Night Mass of the Shepherds will be Saturday at 10:00pm. We will confirm in the next bulletin the special time of Mass for Sunday, January 15th when Bishop Wayne Kirkpatrick will visit our parish. This will be followed by the Opłatek potluck, which the bishop will attend. In your charity, please keep in your prayers Steve Melnick, who is receiving palliative care. Have a blessed week – Fr. Rich

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A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF SOME POLISH CHRISTMAS EVE TRADITIONS:
For generations, many families at St. Mary’s Polish Parish have been upholding Wigilia traditions, which are rich with symbolism. The following is a brief overview:
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 (like 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.” ("Gość w dom, Bóg w dom”)
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 Shepherds’ Mass (which will be at 10:00pm this year at St. Mary’s Polish Church with Polish kolędy-carols at 9:30pm.

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PIEŚNI / HYMNS:

Entrance: Spuśćcie Nam na Ziemskie Niwy (#90 in choir binder) – This Advent hymn is saying send us forth to the earthly fields.
Spuśćcie nam na ziemskie niwy Zbawcę z niebios, obłoki, Świat przez grzechy nieszczęśliwy. Wołał w nocy głębokiej; Gdy wśród przekleństwa od Boga Czart panował, śmierć i trwoga, A ciężkie przewinienia Zamkły bramy zbawienia.

Offertory: Hejnał wszyscy zaśpiewajmy (#28 in choir binder) – about singing the Lord’s praises
Hejnał wszyscy zaśpiewajmy,/ Cześć i chwałę Panu dajmy,/ Nabożnie k`Niemu wołajmy. Mocny Boże z wysokości,/ Ty światłem swej wszechmocności Rozpędź piekielne ciemności. Jużci ona noc minęła, / Co wszystek świat ucisnęła,/ A początek z grzechu wzięła.

Communion: Bądźże pozdrowiona (#4 in choir binder) – praise for the blessed Host

Post-Communion: Jezu drogi, Tyś miłością (Dear Jesus, You are Love) (#35 in the choir binder)
1. Jezu drogi, Tyś miłością, przyjdź, daj siebie nam! * Duszy mojej Tyś ufnością, króluj w niej Ty sam!
Refren: Jezu, Jezu, przyjdź do duszy mej. * Obdarz ją łaskami Twymi i bądź Królem jej.
2. Choć mnie brudzą grzechu cienie, Ty mi siebie daj, * duszę moją łaski tchnieniem przemień w cichy raj. Ref.

Recessional: (Thus the Lord will Come) – another special hymn for Advent
Oto Pan Bóg przyjdzie Z rzeszą Świętych nam przybędzie, Światłość wielka w dzień ów będzie. Alleluja! Alleluja

Życzymy błogosławionego tygodnia / Wishing you a blessed week!