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 Dennis Lamey 902-564-4222; sttheresasydney@gmail.com

MSZY/MASSES: Sunday at 9:30am, Wednesday at 6:30pm
Novena to Our Lady of Częstochowa following the Wednesday evening Mass

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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Boże Narodzenie 2019 / Christmas 2019

TONIGHT’S MASS INTENTION (10:00 pm Mass) is for Michael Ardelli offered by Shirley and family

Ushers for collection tonight: Bernie LaRusic, Tony Gniewek

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NASTĘPNY TYDZIEŃ / THE WEEK AHEAD

Sunday, December 29, 9:30am Uroczystość Świętej Rodziny / Feast of the Holy Family
Lectors: Edyta Baczyk, Bernie Paruch
Eucharistic Minister:
Altar Servers: Kristofer Starzomski-Wilson, Robbie Melski, James Clarke, Frankie Chislett
Ushers: Joe Gillis, Tony LaRusic
Greeters:
Altar Society designated volunteers for December: Ursula Melski, Eileen Fagan-Steele
Care Committee: to visit or send a card, please call Catherine Tucker (902-567-0146) or Vicki Aucoin (562-7142)

January 1, New Year's Day Mass in our Church: Feast of Mary Mother of God 9:30am

Collection receipts for Sunday, December 22: $1712.90 (including: $ general collection, $ monthly, $50.00 flowers, $ votive candles, $ loose, $40.00 fuel, $ Community Kitchen Project, $150.00 building fund). Thank you very much for your generous support of St. Mary's Polish Parish. Dziekujemy bardzo.

MASS INTENTIONS / VIGIL CANDLE: To reserve Mass Intentions / Vigil Candle, please contact Fr. Dennis directly at 902-564-4222 or speak with him before Mass. (There is no fee for Mass intentions.)

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

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CHRISTMAS EVE MASS WILL FULFILL THE CHRISTMAS DAY MASS (THERE WILL BE NO MASS IN OUR CHURCH ON CHRISTMAS DAY)

A WARM WELCOME TO VISITORS WHO ARE WITH US THIS EVENING! We are blessed to have you with us. Please know that you are always  welcome here. We are a parish of open doors and open hearts!

KOLĘDY (CAROLS) FOR THE PASTERKA SHEPHERDS’ MASS:
At about 9:30pm, before the Mass,our Choir will sing a selection of beautiful Polish kolędy, in this order:
Przylecieli aniołkowie (The Little Angels Hastened to Arrive)
Przystąpmy do szopy (Let Us Step Forward to the Stable)
Cieszmy się (Let Us Be Glad)
W żłobie leży (He is Lying in a Manger)
Dzisiaj chór Aniołów (Today, a Choir of Angels)
Pan z Nieba (The Lord from Heaven)
Bracia, patrzcie jeno (Brethren, Look Yonder)
Niepojęte dary (Incomparable Gifts)
Pójdźmy wszyscy do stajenki (Let Us All Go to the Stable)
Adeste Fidelis (O Come All Ye Faithful in Polish and Latin)

A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF SOME POLISH WIGILIA (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 (SHEPHERDS’ 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)

RECENT IN MEMORY OF CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE BUILDING FUND:
IMO Peter Stephenson, Agnes Stephenson and Teofil Pierrynowski from Wanda Pierrynowski

CAPE BRETON POLISH TARTAN TEDDY BEARS: Thanks for your purchases on Sunday of these beautiful bears (“Misiu” and “Misia”). Thanks to Maura Lea Morykot and Eileen Fagan-Steele on the excellent craft work. This project supports the St. Michael’s Polish Benefit Society – upcoming hall renovations to Polish Village Hall.

ST. MICHAEL’S POLISH BENEFIT SOCIETY will be delivering baskets on Christmas, with Oplatek, cards and Christmas treats. If you know anyone in our community (including our broader community) who might appreciate a basket and a visit please call 902-563-1226; tom_urbaniak@cbu.ca.

OPŁATEK ($5) – the traditional Polish Christmas wafer (for sharing around the table at Wigilia Christmas Eve and other Christmas meals) and POLISH CHRISTMAS CARDS ($2) are available at the back of the church.

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT THE POLISH VILLAGE HALL: 9:00pm December 31. DJ Robin Krszwda. Tickets are $15 each and can be reserved by calling Nicole Baker 902-371-5088. This is always an enjoyable party!

EXPRESSIONS OF THANKS AND BEST WISHES:
-St. Philip’s African Orthodox Church passes along thanks to our Pogoria Polish Folk Ensemble for being part of their Christmas concert and wishes us all a very blessed Christmas.
-The delegation that visited us from CBRM’s new sister city Wałbrzych, Poland, was moved by the resilience and positive spirit of our parish and Polish community. They have passed along their wishes of “Wesołych Świąt Bożego Narodzenia!”

The Szopka Nativity Scene craft tradition of Krakow, Poland, was officially inscribed last year on UNESCO’s list of the outstanding intangible heritage of humanity

PARISH OPŁATEK POTLUCK: Sunday, January 12, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm, Polish Village Hall. All welcome. Please bring something (a dish) for the potluck meal if you can. This is always a warm and special gathering to conclude the Christmas season.

“JASEŁKA” – MINI POLISH CHRISTMAS PAGEANT: two rehearsals (mini-workshops) the week of January 5. Absolutely no experience required. Participants of all ages welcomed. Please call 902-563-1226; tom_urbaniak@cbu.ca . A wonderful way to connect with a Polish tradition. We will present this at the Parish Oplatek potluck on Sunday, January 12, 2:00pm, Polish Village Hall.

THE COMMUNITY KITCHEN: re-opens January 8. (Please see the note above, however, about basket delivery on Christmas.) Thanks to all the tireless Community Kitchen volunteers and sponsors.

THE POLISH CAPE BRETONERS COLOURING BOOK: Copies ($10) are available at the back of the church. Beautiful illustrations by Jeff Wilson.

KAIROS CAPE BRETON: Churches of different denominations coming together to address needs in our community and to reflect more broadly on justice and the Gospel. Potluck gathering in our church on Monday, January 20, at 6:30pm.  Everyone is welcome.

TRADITIONAL POLISH BLESSING OF HOMES: Fr. Rich Philiposki will be visiting on January 12 and 13 and will be available to any households for annual home blessings with the special chalk inscription.

TRANSLATION OF TODAY’S SECOND READING FROM ST. PAUL’S LETTER TO TITUS 2:11-14: Beloved: The grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires  and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, as we await the blessed hope,  the appearance of the glory of our great God and saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good.

" The nativity scene is like a living Gospel: it brings the Gospel into homes, schools, workplaces and meeting spaces, hospitals and nursing homes, prisons and town squares” --A message on Twitter from Pope Francis

PARISH CARE GROUP: Please advise of anyone to whom we should reach out with prayers, a note, call, wishes, etc. Please call Vicky Aucoin (562-7142) or Catherine Tucker (567-0146).

PHOTOGRAPHS OF PARISH EVENTS: Vicky Aucoin has been compiling parish scrapbooks. As parish events happen, she’d be really grateful if you could share your photos! Vicky’s telephone number is 562-7142.

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

Życzenia na błogosławionego tygodnia / Wishing you a blessed week!

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TONIGHT'S HYMNS: 10:00 pm Mass
Entrance: Cicha Noc (Silent Night)
In Place of the Gloria: Gdy Się Chrystus Rodzi (As Christ is Born)
Offertory: Jezusa Narodzonego (Jesus Who is Born)
Communion: Dlaczego Dzisiaj (Why Today?)
Post-Communion: Lulajże Jezuniu (A Lullaby to Jesus)
Recessional: Dzisiaj W Betlejem (Today in Bethlehem)