Monthly Bulletin
JANUARY 2023
St. Mary’s Parish
Polish National Catholic Church
365 Burrows Ave. Winnipeg, MB R2W 1Z9 • Tel. (204) 586-3825
Rev. Bob Kay
Website: www.stmarypncc.ca
Email: office@stmarypncc.ca
Celebration of the Eucharist and Mass Intentions:
FEAST OF THE CIRCUMCISION OF CHRIST/
NEW YEARS DAY – January 01, 2023
Blessing of incense, chalk and water
HUMBLE SHEPARD, January 08, 2023
10:00AM – † Władysław, Józef, Julia
II SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, January 15, 2023
10:00AM – † Marianna, Stanisław
III SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, January 22, 2023
10:00AM – † Zofia, Wojciech
IV SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, January 29, 2023
10:00AM – † Rev. Tadeusz Czelen & Regina Czelen
After Mass – Christmas Sit-Down & Take-Out Dinner
LITURGICAL CALENDAR FOR JANUARY 2023
January 01 – Circumcisions of our Lord
The feast of the Circumcision is connected with an absolutely concrete event. According to the Old Testament law on the eight day after the birth of a male infant there had to be performed the circumcision in commemoration of the testament between God and Abraham. Of course, the Lord Jesus Christ, the incarnated Son of God, didn’t need circumcision. His mission of saving humanity exceeded all that Abraham and all righteous men who had lived before Him and who had lived, lived and would live after the Nativity of Christ, had done. No circumcision could increase or decrease the importance of this mission or influence the cause being performed by the Lord.
January 02 – Holy Name of Jesus
The Church reveals to us the wonders of the Incarnate Word by singing the glories of His name. The name of Jesus means Savior; it had been shown in a dream to Joseph together with its meaning and to Our Lady at the annunciation by the Archangel Gabriel. Devotion to the Holy Name is deeply rooted in the Sacred Scriptures, especially in the Acts of the Apostles. The month of January is dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. “In the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth and under the earth” (Phil 2:10).
January 06 – Epiphany of our Lord
Epiphany means manifestation. What the Church celebrates today is the manifestation of our Lord to the whole world; after being made known to the shepherds of Bethlehem He is revealed to the Magi who have come from the East to adore Him. All Christian tradition has ever seen in the Magi the first fruits of the Gentiles; they lead in their wake all the peoples of the earth, and thus the Epiphany is an affirmation of universal salvation.
January 10 – Baptism of our Lord
The Solemnity of the Baptism of Our Lord brings to an end the season of Christmas. The Church recalls Our Lord’s second manifestation or epiphany which occurred on the occasion of His baptism in the Jordan. Jesus descended into the River to sanctify its waters and to give them the power to beget sons of God. The event takes on the importance of a second creation in which the entire Trinity intervenes.
January 18 – Peter’s Chair at Antioch
The feast of the Chair of Saint Peter at Rome, Italy has been celebrated from the early days of the Christian era on 18 January, in commemoration of the day when Saint Peter held his first service in Rome. This is a very ancient tradition, proven to have existed in Rome since the fourth century. On it we give thanks to God for the mission he entrusted to the Apostle Peter and his Successors.
January 25 – Conversion of Paul, Apostle
Paul’s life-changing experience on the Damascus Road led to his baptism and instruction in the Christian faith. He became the most determined of the apostles, suffering brutal physical pain, persecution, and finally martyrdom. He revealed his secret of enduring a lifetime of hardship for the gospel: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
COMMEMORATING THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED IN THE ST. MARY`S CEMETERY (PERPETUAL CARE):
We have been asked to keep the following people in our prayers: Michael Prach, Helena & Mikołaj Benczarski, Christina Walton, Helen Chmielowiec, Walter & Stella Maciurzynski, Konstanty Jackiewicz, Very Rev. Waclaw Cwieka, Christine Maciurzynski, Marianna Janiszewska, Anne & Marion Tylipski, Jessie Chorniuk, Walter Fedon, Emily Wasney, Rev. Tadeus Czelen, Frank Payonk, Mary Skrypetz, Slavko Solic
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
January Birthdays: Bugarin Celine /01/, Gatiwan Daisy /01/, Kukula Teresa /02/, Mikolajczyk Christine /02/, Truong Toby /09/, Cabanlong Kate /09/, Grywinski Gail /10/, Czelen Vicky /11/, Maciurzynski Ted /23/
January Wedding Anniversaries: Francisco Valentino & Sharon /12/, Gatiwan Efren & Daisy /18/, Nykoluk David & Ghyslaine /19/, Janecki Piotr & Zofia /22/, Dzwonek Janina & Zygmunt /26/
DAILY INTERCESSION FOR OUR SICK AND HOMEBOUND
The following are our brothers and sisters of St. Mary`s who are currently homebound, suffering from chronic illness, in recovery or in need of special prayers. Especially: Sofia Wolejszo, Chantalle Witon, Helena Wolejszo, Lloyd Mazur, Myron Mischuk, Bernice Payonk, Rose Budzinski, Sofia Gryz, Halina and Edward Mandat, Janina Dzwonek, Patricia and Claude Caya, Lorraine Fedon, Helen Krokosh, Josie Jackiewicz, Larry Golembioski, Mary Golembioski, Brenda Owsianyk, Martin Mikolajczyk, Donna Fedon, Jennifer Bathan, Gail Grywinski, Frank Favoni, Lena Skrzenta, Cecylia Kwiatkowski, Helen Baumgartner, Mary Rogocki
CHRISTMAS FLOWERS
It is with deep gratitude that we acknowledge the following parishioners. Their generosity enabled us to decorate our sanctuary space this Christmas season. Thank you for your donations to our Christmas Flower fund. Especially: Rev. Bob Kay, Kukula Teresa & Tadeusz, Germinario Maria, Maciurzynski Ted, Janecki Piotr & Zofia, Talastas Dominica, Peltier Cheryl & Randy, Banaga Virginita, Helen Wolejszo, Katie & Myron Mischuk, Elaine Van Den Bussche
2023 SPECIAL MASS INTENTION REQUESTS
As we begin the New Year, if you would like to reserve a date in the church calendar for any anniversaries, requiem intentions, or a special occasion, please contact Father Bob Kay at your earliest convenience.
THANK YOU, MARAMING SALAMAT, MERCI, DZIĘKUJĘ
To all those who have worked so tirelessly over the past year: our Parish Committee, members of the Ladies Society, Mr. Ted Maciurzynski for his service as our parish chairman, organist and music director, our altar girls and boys, lectors, choir, those who cared for the maintenance and upkeep of the parish facilities, our event planners and volunteers at our dinners, lunches, and other special fundraisers, and to all those who gave of their time and treasure to build up the ministry and community of our parish and the wider Church. To all who continue to pray, sacrifice, and serve in Christian love and charity on behalf of our parish. To every parishioner, visitor, and member – you are a blessing and a treasure. May god bless and reward you for all you have done!
NEW YEAR WISHES
I wish you Health…
So you may enjoy each day in comfort.
I wish you the Love of friends and family…
And Peace within your heart.
I wish you the Beauty of nature…
That you may enjoy the work of God.
I wish you Wisdom to choose priorities…
For those things that really matter in life.
I wish you Generosity so you may share…
All good things that come to you.
I wish you Happiness and Joy…
And Blessings for the New Year.
I wish you the best of everything…
That you so well deserve.
HAPPY NEW YEAR MY FRIEND!
KOLĘDA – THE BLESSING OF THE HOMES
What is Kolęda? It is the catholic tradition of pastoral visits to the houses of parishioners, taking place after Christmas. During such a visit a priest usually talks to the family members and prayers are said together by the priest and the family.
We like to continue the tradition of blessing homes during the period between Christmas and the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, February 2nd which is the Polish feast day Matki Boskiej Gromnicznej.
The visit by the priest to bless the home of the faithful is known as Kolęda. This word is derived from a similar Polish word which refers to Christmas carols and hymns. In Poland, carolers would stroll through the towns and villages, singing the beautiful hymns to share the message of peace, love and salvation that was brought to the world by the birth of the Christ child in Bethlehem.
The blessing of the home is also a popular Epiphany custom. Using specially blessed chalk many households mark their entrance door with the year and with the inscription CMB, the initial Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar, the names of the three wise man. The inscription also stands for “Christus Mansionem Benedicat”, which means “Christ, bless this home.” The popular form the inscription takes is C+M+B+2023. It remains above the doorway until Pentecost. Everyone is invited to contact Fr. Bob Kay at 204-586-3825 to schedule a Kolęda visit and blessing of their home.