Monthly Newsletter NOVEMBER 2021

Monthly Newsletter
NOVEMBER 2021

St. Mary’s Parish
Polish National Catholic Church
365 Burrows Ave. Winnipeg, MB R2W 1Z9
Tel. (204) 586-3825

Website: www.stmarypncc.ca

 Rev. Tadeusz Czelen – Pastor
rev.czelen@stmarypncc.ca

St. Mary’s Parish of the Polish National Catholic Church has been in existence for 117 years. It is our hope and prayer to grow in service to God and community. This commitment manifests itself in regular devotional and prayer life and a greater participation in both ecumenical and community activities. At St. Mary’s Parish, our primary emphasis is on the Parish Family. All who belong sense this family spirit – expressed in a real love and concern for one another. Our pastor makes a point to know each family on a one-to-one basis with visits to family homes and to the hospitalized. Thus the spiritual health and vitality of all parishioners and all our friends is supported by both pastor and laity.
WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN OUR PARISH FAMILY! If you are looking for a parish and are considering St. Mary’s Parish, feel free to talk with any parishioner about it. We will introduce you to our family in all its wonderful aspects- a family whose real strength lies in our personal and real relationship to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We express this faith in our Church through our liturgy which is Catholic and traditional, shared between priest and laity. We demonstrate this faith in the prayerful material and emotional support we give one another. We share this faith in a Church rooted in democratic principles and a church constitution giving laity full rights due process in matters financial, administrative and material.
WHAT WE MEAN BY “EVERYBODY WELCOME”
Single, twice-divorced, under 30, filthy rich, poor as dirt, can’t sing, married with pets, older than God, more catholic than St. Peter, workaholic, bad speller, screaming babies, three-times divorced, passive-aggressive, obsessive compulsive, tourists, seekers, doubters, bleeding hearts, oh, and YOU.

XXXII SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, November 7, 2021
10:00AM – † Józef, Julia, Roman

XXXIII SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, November 14, 2021
10:00AM – † Christine Maciurzynski († Nov. 10, 2014)

JESUS CHRIST THE KING, November 21, 2021
10:00AM – † Adam, Antonina Malmuk

I SUNDAY OF ADVENT, November 28, 2021
10:00AM – † Marianna, Stanisław, Anna, Kazimierz

In November we pray for all our deceased loved ones who are preparing to enter Heaven by being purified of their sins, weaknesses and failures, and also the effects of sin on themselves and others. I encourage all of you to make certain this month that you have requested Masses to be offered for your loved ones. The anniversary of death always provides a great opportunity to remember them, but also birthdays, wedding anniversaries, and other important dates. Since November is specifically dedicated to them, take advantage of All Souls Day cards (Wypominki). Even if you can’t afford to give an offering, give us their names. We will pray for them.

Every day in the Church calendar has a saint day, but the Solemnity of All Saints is when the Church honors all saints, known and unknown. While we have information about many saints, and we honor them on specific days, there are many unknown or unsung saints, who may have been forgotten, or never been specifically honored. On All Saints Day, we celebrate these saints of the Lord, and ask for their prayers and intercessions. The whole concept of All Saints Day is tied in with the concept of the Communion of Saints. This is the belief that all of God’s people, on heaven, earth, and in the state of purification (called Purgatory), are connected in a communion. In other words, the saints of God are just as alive as you and I, and are constantly interceding on our behalf. Remember, our connection with the saints in heaven is one grounded in a tight-knit communion. The saints are not divine, nor omnipresent or omniscient. However, because of our common communion with and through Jesus Christ, our prayers are joined with the heavenly community of Christians.
All Souls Day follows All Saints Day, and solemnly commemorates the faithful departed, i.e. those who die with God’s grace and friendship. Catholics believe that not all those who die in God’s grace are immediately ready for the Beatific vision, i.e. the reality and goodness of God and heaven, so they must be purified of “lesser faults,” and the temporal effects of sin. The Catholic Church calls this purification of the elect, “purgatory.” The Catholic teaching on Purgatory essentially requires belief in two realities: that there will be a purification of believers prior to entering heaven and that the prayers and masses of the faithful in some way benefit those in the state of purification. As to the duration, place, and exact nature of this purification, the Church has no official dogma, although Saint Augustine and others used fire as a way to explain the nature of the purification. Many faithful Catholics, grant that Purgatory may be best thought of as an existential state, as opposed to a temporal place. In other words, because Purgatory is outside the confines of created time and space, it is not necessarily accurate to speak of a location or duration of Purgatory. Nonetheless, the prayers and Masses of the faithful do have an impact on the purification that the faithful are undergoing in Purgatory. As a more everyday explanation, many liken Purgatory to a place or state where one gets “cleaned up” before entering into the presence of Almighty God. The Church prays for, and remembers, the faithful departed throughout the entire year. However, All Souls is the general, solemn, day of commemoration, when the Church remembers, prays for, and offers requiem Masses up for the faithful departed in the state of purification. Typically Christians will take this day to offer prayers up on behalf of their departed relatives and friends.

Sunday Masses as announced. Examples of the Mass intention are: for the Sick, in remembrance of the faithful departed (especially parents, grandparents, relatives…), to ask God’s Grace, Birthdays and Anniversaries (…) To make arrangements, please contact Father Czelen.
Sacrament of Baptism – Arrangements should be made at least two weeks prior the ceremony. Only practicing Christians should be chosen as godparents.
Sacrament of Matrimony – Arrangements should be made at least six months in advance.
Emergencies, Sickness and deaths – please contact to the rectory immediately.
Receiving the Holy Eucharist – those who believe in the true presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist are invited to partake of this Holy Sacrament. It is the practice of the PNCC to distribute the Holy Eucharist through the method of intinction. The Body and Blood of Christ are placed on the tongue, not in the hand.
Sacrament of the sick – If there is anyone at home who cannot get to Mass and the Sacraments because of illness or age, please call the parish office at anytime to request the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. 

November 1 – Solemnity of All Saints 

Today the Church celebrates all the saints: canonized or beatified, and the multitude of those who are in heaven enjoying the beatific vision that is only known to God. During the early centuries the Saints venerated by the Church were all martyrs. Later on the Church sets November 1 as the day for commemorating all the Saints. We all have this “universal call to holiness.” During the year the Church celebrates one by one the feasts of the saints. Today she joins them all in one festival. In addition to those whose names she knows, she recalls in a magnificent vision all the others “of all nations and tribes standing before the throne and in sight of the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands, proclaiming Him who redeemed them in His Blood.” The feast of All Saints should inspire us with tremendous hope. Among the saints in heaven are some whom we have known. All lived on earth lives like our own. They were baptized, marked with the sign of faith, they were faithful to Christ’s teaching and they have gone before us to the heavenly home whence they call on us to follow them. The Gospel of the Beatitudes, read today, while it shows their happiness, shows, too, the road that they followed; there is no other that will lead us whither they have gone.

November 2 – All Souls Day

On the second of November, we are celebrating All Souls’ Day, also known as the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, i.e. those who die with God’s grace and friendship. This is based on the Catholic theology that some of those who have departed from this world have not been perfectly cleansed from venial sin, or have not fully atoned for their past transgression. Being temporarily deprived of the beatified vision until such time as they have been completely sanctified in Christ, these departed souls are to remain in Purgatory, a state of purification. To assist them in this process to be freed from Purgatory, we, their spiritual brothers and sisters in Christ, pray that they may receive the reward of the saints.  The Church teaches us that, when we die, most of us are in need of some process of purification. This process has traditionally been called “Purgatory”. As a more everyday explanation, many liken Purgatory to a place or state where one gets purified before entering into the presence of Almighty God. The Catholic teaching on Purgatory essentially seen in our belief in two realities: – First, that there will be a purification of believers prior to entering heaven and – Second that the prayers and masses of the faithful are sure to benefit those in the state of purification. The prayers and Masses of the faithful do have an impact on the purification that the faithful are undergoing in Purgatory. On All Souls’ Day, we ask God for mercy on those who have died. We pray for an ever deeper and abiding awareness of the steadfast love of God expressed through Jesus Christ. God’s love made known in Jesus Christ is the reason for our hope. Today is a day of solidarity between all Christians. It is a celebration of what we call the “Communion of Saints”, where ‘saints’ signifies all persons baptised in Christ.  Our love and sense of duty do not permit us to ignore them.  They are all our people some of whom are intimately known to us. They call out to our help and one day we too will need help from others.  Let us, then, make the prayer of today’s Mass our own: “God, our creator and redeemer, by your power Christ conquered death and returned to you in glory. May all your people who have gone before us in faith share his victory and enjoy the vision of your glory forever.” Amen.

November 11 – Polish Independence Day, Remembrance Day

National Independence Day is the most important Polish national holiday. On November 11, 1918, after 123 years of captivity, Poland regained its independence. After years of partitions done by Austria, Prussia and Russia between 1772 and 1795, national uprisings (November Uprising of 1830 and January Uprising of 1863), struggles and efforts in various fields, Poles, owing to their steadfastness, patriotism and heroism, managed to regain their freedom. Józef Piłsudski, “First Marshal of Poland”, played an enormous role in Poland’s recovery of sovereignty. The date of 11 November was announced a national holiday in 1937. Since 1939 to 1989, celebration of the holiday was forbidden. After the collapse of communist government, the holiday gained particular significance and it is now a red letter day. Major celebrations, attended by Polish State authorities, are held in Warsaw at Piłsudski Square. Sharply at noon, a ceremonious change of guards takes place before the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Patriotic gatherings and parades are held all over Poland. Churches celebrate masses with the intentions of the Homeland. Since 1989 every year several thousands of volunteers have taken part in the Race of Independence to commemorate the day.

Remembrance Day (also known as Poppy Day or Veterans Day) is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth countries since the end of World War I to remember the members of their armed forces who have died in the line of duty. This day, or alternative dates, is also recognized as special days for war remembrances in many non-Commonwealth countries. Remembrance Day is observed on 11 November to recall the end of hostilities of World War I on that date in 1918. Hostilities formally ended “at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month,” in accordance with the Armistice, signed by representatives of Germany and the Entente between 5:12 and 5:20 that morning. (“At the 11th hour” refers to the passing of the 11th hour, or 11:00 a.m.) World War I officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919. The day was specifically dedicated by King George V on 7 November 1919 as a day of remembrance for members of the armed forces who were killed during World War I. This was possibly done upon the suggestion of Edward George Honey to Wellesley Tudor Pole, who established two ceremonial periods of remembrance based on events in 1917. The red remembrance poppy has become a familiar emblem of Remembrance Day due to the poem “In Flanders Fields”. These poppies bloomed across some of the worst battlefields of Flanders in World War I, their brilliant red colour an appropriate symbol for the blood spilled in the war.

November 21 – Christ the King

On this last Sunday of the liturgical year, we are celebrating the Solemnity of Christ the King, a Feast established relatively recently but which has deep biblical and theological roots. The title “King”, designating Jesus, is very important in the Gospels and makes possible a complete interpretation of the figure of Jesus and of his mission of salvation. In this regard a progression can be noted: it starts with the expression “King of Israel” and extends to that of universal King, Lord of the cosmos and of history, thus exceeding by far the expectations of the Jewish people. It is yet again the mystery of Jesus Christ’s death and Resurrection that lies at the heart of this process of the revelation of his kingship. When Jesus is hung on the Cross, the priests, scribes and elders mock him saying: “He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him” (Mt 27: 42). In fact, it is precisely as the Son of God that Jesus freely gives himself up to his Passion. The Cross is the paradoxical sign of his kingship, which consists in the loving will of God the Father in response to the disobedience of sin. It is in the very offering of himself in the sacrifice of expiation that Jesus becomes King of the universe, as he himself was to declare when he appeared to the Apostles after the Resurrection: “All authority in Heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Mt 28: 18).
The Feast of Christ the King was established in 1925 as an antidote to secularism, a way of life which leaves God out of man’s thinking and living and organizes his life as if God did not exist. The feast is intended to proclaim in a striking and effective manner Christ’s royalty over individuals, families, society, governments, and nations.
Today’s Mass establishes the titles for Christ’s royalty over men: 1) Christ is God, the Creator of the universe and hence wields a supreme power over all things; “All things were created by Him”; 2) Christ is our Redeemer, He purchased us by His precious Blood, and made us His property and possession; 3) Christ is Head of the Church, “holding in all things the primacy”; 4) God bestowed upon Christ the nations of the world as His special possession and dominion.
Today’s Mass also describes the qualities of Christ’s kingdom. This kingdom is: 1) supreme, extending not only to all people but also to their princes and kings; 2) universal, extending to all nations and to all places; 3) eternal, for “The Lord shall sit a King forever”; 4) spiritual, Christ’s “kingdom is not of this world”

November 22 – Presentation of the BVM 

Religious parents never fail by devout prayer to consecrate their children to God, His divine service and love, both before and after their birth. Some among the Jews, not content with this general consecration of their children, offered them to God in their infancy, by the hands of the priests in the Temple, to be brought up in quarters attached to the Temple, attending the priests and Levites in their sacred ministry. There were special divisions in these lodgings for the women and children dedicated to the divine service. We have examples of this special consecration of children in the person of Samuel, for example. Today the Church celebrates the feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Temple of Jerusalem. It is very probable that the holy prophet Simeon and the prophetess Anna, who witnessed the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, as we read in the second chapter of the Gospel of Saint Luke had known His Mother as a little girl in the Temple and observed her truly unique sanctity. It is an ancient and very trustworthy tradition that the Blessed Virgin was thus solemnly offered in the Temple to God at the age of three by her parents, Saint Anne and Saint Joachim. The Gospel tells us nothing of the childhood of Mary; her title Mother of God eclipses all the rest. Where, better than in the Temple, could Mary be prepared for her mission? Twelve years of recollection and prayer, contemplation and sufferings, were the preparation of the chosen one of God.

November 30 – St. Andrew, Apostle

St. Andrew was a native of Bethsaida in Galilee, a fisherman by trade, and a former disciple of John the Baptist. He was the one who introduced his brother Peter to Jesus, saying, “We have found the Messiah.” Overshadowed henceforth by his brother, Andrew nevertheless appears again in the Gospels as introducing souls to Christ. After Pentecost, Andrew took up the apostolate on a much wider scale, and is said to have been martyred at Patras in southern Greece on a cross which was in the form of an “X”. This type of cross has long been known as “St. Andrew’s cross.”
Andrew, Peter’s brother, and John were the first disciples to follow the Lord. With tender delicacy the Gospel (John 1:35-42) describes their first meeting with Jesus. Andrew did not belong to the inner circle of the apostles, Peter, James and John, and the evangelists narrate nothing extraordinary about him (John 6:8); but tradition (resting on apocryphal Acts) extols his great love of the Cross and of the Savior; and the Church distinguishes him both in the Mass (his name occurs in the Canon and in the Libera since the time of Pope St. Gregory I who had a special devotion to him) and in the Breviary.
The story of his martyrdom rests on the apocryphal Acts which lack historical foundation. The pagan judge exhorted him to sacrifice to the gods. Andrew replied: “I sacrifice daily to almighty God, the one and true God. Not the flesh of oxen and the blood of goats do I offer, but the unspotted Lamb upon the altar. All the faithful partake of His flesh, yet the Lamb remains unharmed and living.” Angered by the reply, Aegeas commanded him to be thrown into prison. With little difficulty the people would have freed him, but Andrew personally calmed the mob and earnestly entreated them to desist, as he was hastening toward an ardently desired crown of martyrdom.
When Andrew was led to the place of martyrdom, on beholding the cross from a distance he cried out: “O good Cross, so long desired and now set up for my longing soul I confident and rejoicing come to you; exultingly receive me, a disciple of Him who hung on you.” Forthwith he was nailed to the cross. For two days he hung there alive, unceasingly proclaiming the doctrine of Christ until he passed on to Him whose likeness in death he had so vehemently desired. The legendary account of our saint’smartyrdom has this value: it presents to us the mysticism of the Cross of later times.

November 2021, the Month of Prayer for the Faithful Departed
“We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God, Through Jesus, bring with him those who have fallen asleep” (1 Thes. 4:13-14).

Praying for our departed
As the days of October pass the days grow shorter, the colors of autumn take hold, and our thoughts turn to the Commemoration of All Souls. This time of the year gives us the opportunity to think about them and also to help them with our prayers.  Prayer is the only way in which we connect with them. It is a very special channel which joins us with them by the power of God. The Holy Church sets aside the month of November to commemorate those who have preceded us in holy death. As Christians we recognize that death is not an ending, but rather a change. We pass through death into everlasting life. We remain joined with all those who have died. We rely on them for their intercession on our behalf. They rely on our prayers and intercession to ease their transition, their journey into the glory of heaven. We will remember our dearly departed during the month of November according to an old Catholic custom of commemoration and prayer, a custom known as “WYPOMINKI”. At Saint Mary’s Church, we have a special devotion to our loved ones who have been called from this life into eternity. One very special way we bring our beloved deceased to prayer is by sending their names to be inscribed in the Book of Life, from which we pray at each Mass in November.
If you would like the souls of loved ones to be remembered during the all services throughout the entire month of November, please drop them into the Parish Office, or send by mail to Parish address by October 31, 2021. Please, print your names legibly. In many cases the names written on the cards are almost impossible to read due to poor handwriting! Remember please print. Naturally, all donations will be tax deductible and will partially go towards our Cemetery Fund.
BOOK OF LIFE
Parishioners may inscribe the names of deceased family members and friends, particularly those who died this past year, in the Book of Life, which will be located on our website (www.stmarypncc.ca). We will remember all those in the Book of Life during the Prayer of the Faithful throughout the month of November. We will also pray for those who grieve the passing of their loved one from this life and embrace them with the hope of eternal life which we have because of our belief in Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection.
Rev. Tadeusz Czelen, Pastor.

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, Frank Favoni, Walter Fedon, Frank Payonk, Veronika Sosnowski, Eleanore Dutkevich.

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
November Birthdays: Talastas Dominica /01/, Gatiwan Renea /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: Chantalle Witon, Helena Wolejszo, Lloyd Mazur, Myron Mischuk, Bernice Payonk, Rose Budzinski, Janina Dzwonek, Mary Skrypetz, Patricia and Claude Caya, Lorraine Fedon, Helen Krokosh, Josie Jackiewicz, Larry Golembioski, Mary Golembioski, Donna Fedon, Rev. Tadeusz Czelen, Gail Grywinski, Lena Skrzenta, Grażyna Markiewicz, Zofia Janecki, Epitacia Nykoluk, Martin Mikolajczyk

PRAYER FOR THE SICK

Dear God. Hear our prayers for the sick members of our community and for all who are in special need at this time. Amid mental and physical suffering, may they find consolation in Your healing presence. Show Your mercy as You close wounds, cure illness, make broken bodies whole and free downcast spirits. May these special people find lasting health and deliverance, and with them, may we thank You for all Your gifts. We ask this through the Lord Jesus who healed those who believed. Amen.

I have been receiving quite a few questions lately regarding the benefits of paid membership in the Polish National Catholic Church. According to the Constitution of the PNCC, there are 2 levels of membership: what is commonly referred to as Membership of the Baptized and Full Membership. Membership of the Baptized consists of attendance and support of the local PNCC parish. This includes participation in the Sacraments, activities and so forth. Full membership includes the paying of dues to the General Church and Diocese. With this comes the ability to participate fully in the life and governance of the Parish and General Church. One is allowed to vote at the Parish Annual meeting, run for Parish Committee, Diocesan and General Church offices and join fully in building the Polish National Catholic Church. Also, as a matter of justice, we who fully believe in the mission and existence of the PNCC have an obligation to support it at all levels. As a Democratic Church, all levels of the Church are supported solely by the members. Not only the bills of the parish, which should be taken care of by each family’s tithe each week, but the Diocese, who oversees the parishes of each region, and the General Church, need to be funded by the dues that are paid by the members of each parish. I would encourage each person who hasn’t already done so to either pay their dues or arrange a payment plan with Maria Germinario or Ted Kukula, whom you can talk to confidentially about this. As a Democratic Church, we have both rights and obligations. The dues are an obligation that we have to insure our continued existence. If you have not yet done so, please see me for information on becoming a member. There are many benefits for both you and the parish, so plan on talking to Fr. Czelen soon!

GIVING TO YOUR PARISH – SIGNIFICANCE CAMPAIGN

Few months ago, all parishioners received letter from Parish Chairman Ted Maciurzynski regarding 2021 Significance Campaign. This year we’ll focus on funding on-going expenses – utilities, insurance and taxes. Only these expenses cost us over 16 thousand dollars per year. Please, help us! We are asking for financial help, because without these necessary expenses, the parish cannot exist. We cannot pay taxes, gas, hydro, water or insurance. These expenses must be paid to keep this church open. As always, all donations to the Significance campaign stay in your church and all donations are fully tax deductible. Thank you to all who have donated to this campaign in past years. I know you will see the Significance of this campaign. This year, I encourage you to be generous and continue to demonstrate how Significant this church is for you.

There has been, historically, some misunderstandings put forth regarding the Sacrament of Anointing, sometimes referred to as Extreme Unction or Last Rights. In fact, the ‘Last Rights’ while involving the Sacrament of Anointing, is not the same thing. It is a sacramental procedure immediately preceding impending death, and is reserved for that purpose. The Sacrament of Anointing is to help us heal. St. James, in his letter, wrote that the sick should come to the priest of the church and have hands laid on them and be anointed with oil. This is for any type of malady that we might have. While it can include something as mundane as the common cold (and I would not refuse the Sacrament to anyone who asked for it), usually, we would approach for the Sacrament if it was something more unusual or persistent. The list is endless, but it includes any physical or mental problems that we might have. Do not be afraid of asking the Priest to anoint you if you are not feeling well, and do not be offended if a priest finds out you are ill and asks if you want to be anointed. It does not mean that he thinks you’re dying, but that he wants to bring in Jesus, the Divine Physician, to make a house call on you and help you to be on the mend.

HOSPITAL VISIT
If you, or a member of your family, are hospitalized or enter a long-term nursing facility, please personally or through a closest family member contact Fr. Czelen. I will visit a sick member upon his or his family notification.

ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER CHANGES
To keep the parish files and mailing addresses up to date, if you have moved or acquired a new telephone number, please contact the parish office.  Thank You. E-mail addresses are also requested.

WITH THANKS – THANKSGIVING DINNER

On Sunday, October 31st., parish celebrated the Thanksgiving Dinner. We organized a take-out food which was a great success. I would like to thank the parishioners who bought food and supported our parish financially. Special thanks are due to people who donated food or pastries and helped packing into containers. Special thanks to Maria Germinario, Cheryl Peltier, Ted and Teresa Kukula, Piotr and Zofia Janecki, Frankie Domiter, Virgie Banaga, Remi Hangdaan, Fr. Bob Kay, Vicky Czelen. Please accept our sincere thanks for volunteering your time. Your generosity benefited countless others. Your support won’t be forgotten. It is events like this that help us to continue to grow as a parish and introduce people to our St. Mary’s Parish. Thank you and God bless you.

MASS ATTENDANCE
Just a gentle reminder that God would like to see His children in His house of worship on every Sunday of the year.  God, knowing everything, knows that many families are busy on Sunday mornings doing things of great importance to them.  God gave us free will, so, therefore, God does not force us to do anything.  When we are troubled and turn to God for help or guidance Our Maker always makes time for us, yet so often we can’t seem to take an hour out of our Sunday morning schedules to give thanks to Him who always makes time for us.

MASS INTENTIONS
An individual may ask a priest to offer a Mass for several reasons: for example, in thanksgiving, for the intentions of another person (such as on a birthday), or, as is most common, for the repose of the soul of someone who has died. Requesting a Mass is a special way of remembering a loved one, celebrating an anniversary, making an act of thanksgiving, offering your prayer intentions before God or simply sharing in the feasts and seasons of the Church year. If you would like to have a Mass celebrated for a special request, on behalf of a family member, a friend, or a deceased loved one, you are encouraged to contact Fr. Czelen for scheduling the Mass.

Today, we think of all souls dead, some dear; Some were so near, now gone afar, we fear; Some were our friends, both good and bad, we knew; But they all vanished like the morning dew!

Some were our neighbours, righteous or quite bad; Nevertheless, they’re dead, which seems so sad; Some were just strangers whom we met sometime; They are no more with us in life and time.

Many we heard of, now no longer live; Some men violent to violent ends did give; Many unknown are gone forever too; We pray, the love of God must all souls woo.

Some bodies lie in earthy dampness cold; Some met a watery grave or in urns hold; Some killed by beasts or men-demonic, died; Many were holy, in God did abide!

Some were burnt, their ashes scattered by wind; Some as mummies in pyramids, we find; The end of many, we can’t imagine; For myriads dead and worm-eaten, we pine!

The world of dead exceeds the living one; Who thinks of orphans and who lived alone? Kings, queens, lords, ladies, paupers too are gone; Let living pray for God’s mercy and moan!

‘May the souls dead all, rest in peace; May God forgive sinners with ease! ’

Dr John Celes